JP2005305030A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which balls hardly enter the same area even when the balls are shot in the same way from a shooting means with respect to the game machine which adopts a device to allow the balls shot from the shooting means to enter one of the plurality of areas. <P>SOLUTION: A course change device 27 provided in the game machine comprises: a rotary member 35 to be driven and rotated by a motor 33; and a turning member 37 to be turned by force which is received from the rotary member 35. When a plunger 13 is operated so as to shoot the ball from a shooting tube 25, the ball is brought into contact with the turning member 37, changed in course, and discharged onto a game board 21. The discharge direction of the ball is changed in response to the turning angle of the turning member 37 even when the shooting speed of the ball from the shooting tube 25 is the same. Thus, the ball is not allowed to enter a specified hole 21c by aiming. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine.

Conventionally, a game machine combining roulette and bingo has already been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).
The game machine described in the following Patent Document 1 includes a rotating disk in which a plurality of areas similar to a general roulette are set, and display elements are arranged in a matrix when a ball enters any area. The display element corresponding to the area where the ball enters is lit on the displayed display board, and if the lit display elements are arranged in a specific combination such as vertical, horizontal, diagonal, etc., it is determined that bingo is established It has become. With such a game machine, the user can enjoy both the function equivalent to roulette and the function equivalent to bingo at the same time.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-236035

  By the way, as described in paragraph [0016] of the same document, the game machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to rotate the rotating disk with a motor or manually rotate the rotating disk. there were.

  However, in order to rotate such a rotating disk, at least a mechanism such as a rotating shaft or a bearing that supports the rotating disk is required. In particular, in order to rotate the rotating disk with a motor, a relatively large rotating disk is required. A high-torque motor that can rotate smoothly and a mechanism for transmitting power from the motor to the rotating disk are required, which complicates the internal structure and reduces the effort and parts required for assembly. There has been a disadvantage that such costs increase.

  Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is also proposed to manually rotate the rotating disk. However, when the user adopts a method of manually rotating the rotating disk, it is possible to fire the ball without rotating the rotating disk. Therefore, in this case, it is easy to launch a ball aiming at a specific area on the rotating disk, and there is a possibility that problems such as excessive bingoing may be caused.

  Furthermore, if only considering simplification of the support mechanism of the turntable, it is one idea to fix the turntable, but also in this case, a method in which the user manually rotates the turntable was adopted. There is a problem similar to that in the case, and it becomes easy to launch a ball aiming at a specific area on the turntable, which may cause problems such as excessive formation of bingo.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine that employs a mechanism for putting a ball fired from a launching means into any one of a plurality of areas. Similarly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine in which it is not easy to place a ball in the same area even if it is fired.

The characteristic configuration employed in the present invention will be described below.
The game machine of the present invention
A launching means capable of firing a ball in a specific direction;
A game machine comprising: a rolling surface on which a ball fired from the launching means rolls; and a game board in which a plurality of areas into which the ball enters after rolling on the rolling surface are formed. And
A course changing means for randomly changing the traveling direction of the ball is provided on the path of the ball from the launching means to the game board.

  In the game machine configured in this way, the ball is fired in a specific direction from the launching means, but the course changing means changes the traveling direction of the ball on the path of the ball from the launching means to the game board. Change randomly. Therefore, even if the firing speed and firing direction of the ball by the launching means are the same, before the ball rolls onto the game board, the traveling direction of the ball is randomly changed by the course changing means, and the ball is placed on the game board. Since the approach angle when rolling is not constant, the trajectory to be drawn when the ball rolls on the rolling surface is not constant.

  Therefore, according to such a game machine, a plurality of areas formed on the game board are fixed areas, but it is not possible to launch a game ball aiming at a specific area. Since it becomes impossible, it can be set as a more accidental game machine.

  In addition, since a plurality of areas formed on the game board are fixed, unlike a game machine configured to change the position of such areas, the internal structure of the game machine can be simplified. It is possible to reduce the labor required for assembly and the cost for parts.

  In the game machine of the present invention, the course changing means includes, for example, a motor, a rotating member whose contact angle with the ball fluctuates with rotation, and rotation of the motor converted into reciprocating motion. By transmitting to the rotating member, it is possible to employ a power transmission means for rotating the rotating member so that the rotating member reciprocates between two positions.

  In addition, the game machine of the present invention includes a detecting means capable of detecting an area where the ball has entered when the ball enters any of the plurality of areas formed on the game board, and each of the plurality of areas. A plurality of display elements that are associated with each other, and when the detection unit detects an area in which the ball has entered, the display state of the display element corresponding to the area is changed from the first state to the second state; Each time the area containing the ball is detected by the display means for switching, the storage means for storing the area, and the combination of the areas stored by the storage means is a predetermined specific In the case of a combination, a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to the user according to the specific combination may be provided.

  In this case, when the ball enters any of the plurality of areas formed on the game board, the detection means detects the area where the ball has entered. Such a detection means can be constituted by an optical sensor or a proximity sensor that can detect the passage of the ball in a non-contact manner, or a switch that the ball contacts when the ball passes. Then, based on the detection result by the detection means, the display means switches the display state of the display element corresponding to the area where the ball is placed from the first state to the second state. The display means may be any specific form as long as it displays in a display form that allows the user to confirm the area in which the ball is placed later. For example, the first and second displays It is possible to adopt a means for indicating one of the states by turning on and the other by turning off, or a means for displaying the first and second states in different colors. Each time the area containing the ball is detected by the detection means, the storage means stores the area, and the combination of the areas stored by the storage means storage means is a predetermined specific combination. When it becomes, a privilege provision means provides the privilege with respect to a user according to the said specific combination. The privilege granted by the privilege granting means is arbitrary, but for example, a score may be granted as a privilege, a credit that allows the user to enjoy a re-game may be granted as a privilege, or some prize is discharged. By providing a simple mechanism, the prize may be given as a privilege.

  In such a game machine, the state is switched to the second state by optimizing the relationship between the arrangement of the display elements of the display means and the combination of the areas to which the privilege is to be given. Since the privilege can be given when the display elements are arranged vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, a bingo game can be configured.

  Furthermore, in the game machine of the present invention, the game board has a shape in which the rolling surface has an annular shape in a plan view and is provided with a downward gradient from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, A plurality of holes arranged at equal intervals so as to form a concentric ring with the rolling surface are formed, and the game board after the ball fired from the firing means contacts the course changing means It may be configured such that it rolls onto the rolling surface and turns down on one of the plurality of holes after turning on the rolling surface.

  In such a game machine, the movement of the ball itself exhibits the same behavior as a general roulette. The difference from a general roulette is that the game board itself does not rotate, but as described above, it is not easy to launch a ball aiming at a specific area by providing the course changing means. Therefore, even though the game board itself does not rotate, the chance can be sufficiently increased, and a game with high chance like the roulette can be enjoyed.

In addition, the game machine of the present invention
A table made up of a transparent top plate, a housing provided below the top plate, and legs that support the housing;
A launching means capable of launching a ball in a specific direction inside the housing by operating an operation unit provided on the outer surface side of the housing;
A rolling surface on which the ball fired from the launching means rolls, and a plurality of regions into which the ball enters after rolling on the rolling surface are formed, and the top plate is formed inside the casing. A game board arranged in a position that can be seen over,
A course changing means that is provided on the path of the ball from the launching means to the game board, and that randomly changes the traveling direction of the ball;
A detecting means capable of detecting an area where the ball has entered when a ball enters any of the plurality of areas formed on the game board;
Arranged in a position that can be seen through the top plate inside the housing, and has a plurality of display elements associated with each of the plurality of areas, and the area containing the ball is detected by the detection means Display means for switching the display state of the display element corresponding to the region from the first state to the second state,
Storage means for storing the area each time an area containing a ball is detected by the detection means;
When the combination of the areas stored by the storage means becomes a predetermined specific combination, a privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the user according to the specific combination is provided,
The route changing means is
A motor,
A rotating member whose contact angle with the ball fluctuates with rotation;
Power transmission means for rotating the rotation member so that the rotation member reciprocates between two positions by converting the rotation of the motor into a reciprocating motion and transmitting the rotation to the rotation member. Become
In the gaming board, the rolling surface has an annular shape in a plan view and is provided with a downward gradient from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, and the plurality of regions include an annular concentric with the rolling surface. A plurality of holes arranged at equal intervals so as to form,
The ball fired from the launching means comes into contact with the course changing means and then rolls onto the rolling surface of the game board, turns on the rolling surface and then falls into any of the plurality of holes. It may be configured to.

  In such a game machine, like the game machine described above, the movement of the ball itself exhibits the same behavior as a general roulette. The difference from a general roulette is that the game board itself does not rotate, but as described above, it is not easy to launch a ball aiming at a specific area by providing the course changing means. Therefore, even though the game board itself does not rotate, the chance can be sufficiently increased, and a game with high chance like the roulette can be enjoyed. In addition, by optimizing the relationship between the arrangement of the display elements of the display means and the combination of the areas to which the privilege is given, the display elements switched to the second state are vertically, horizontally, and diagonally Since a privilege can be given when they are lined up, a bingo game can be configured. That is, it can be configured as a game machine that can simultaneously enjoy a roulette game and a bingo game.

  In addition, this game machine is configured as a table by a transparent top plate, a case provided below the top plate, and a leg portion that supports the case, and the game board and the display means have a transparent top plate. Since it is placed at a position that can be seen over, it can be used as a table as well as a simple game machine. In addition to installing it at a so-called game center etc., for example, a table such as a coffee shop is used. It can also be used as a game machine that also serves as a table.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the game machine adopts a mechanism for putting the ball fired from the launching means into any of a plurality of areas, and the ball is fired from the launching means in exactly the same manner. Even so, it is possible to provide a game machine in which it is not easy to put the ball in the same area.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with an example.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the game machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game machine 1.
First, the appearance of the game machine 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game machine 1 includes a transparent top plate 3 made of glass, a housing 5, and legs 7, and has a structure that can be used as a table.
A coin processing device 11, a plunger 13, and a start button 15 are provided on the front side of the housing 5. The coin processing device 11 is a device that performs authenticity discrimination of coins (= coins or game medals; coins in this embodiment) inserted by a user, accepts appropriate coins, and discharges illegal coins. The plunger 13 is a device for launching a ball used for a game. The start button 15 is a button operated by the user when a new game is started.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a game board 21 and a display device 23 (corresponding to display means in the present invention) are provided at a position that can be seen through the top board 3 inside the housing 5.
The game board 21 is made by imitating the appearance of a general roulette, and has a rolling surface 21a having an annular shape in plan view and a shape in which a downward gradient is given from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side. A plurality (38 compartments in this embodiment) of regions 21b arranged at equal intervals so as to form a ring concentric with the rolling surface 21a is formed inside the rolling surface 21a. Each area 21b is assigned a number (38 numbers of 00 and 0 to 36 in the case of the present embodiment), as in a general roulette, and a specific color ( In the case of the present embodiment, either red or black is given to the area 21b to which the numbers 1 to 36 are given, and green is given to the area 21b to which 00,0 is given. However, unlike the general roulette, the portion where the plurality of regions 21b are formed has a non-rotatable structure, and each region 21b has a hole 21c in which a ball used in a game falls. ing.

  The display device 23 includes a dial arranged around the game board 21, a plurality of lamps arranged below the dial, and a numerical display using a plurality of 7-segment LEDs arranged below the dial. It is constituted by.

  More specifically, on the dial constituting the display device 23, numbers corresponding to the respective areas 21b of the first display area 23a and the game board 21 in which numbers are arranged in imitation of the roulette betting layout are assigned to the game board 21. A second display region 23b is formed around the periphery. A lamp is arranged below each number in each display area 23a, 23b. When a ball falls into the hole 21c formed in each area 21b of the game board 21, it is given to that area 21b. Lighting control of lamps arranged below each number is performed so that the number emits light in each of the display areas 23a and 23b.

  In addition, the dial constituting the display device 23 is also formed with a third display area 23c divided into two sections of red and black, and a lamp is arranged below each of the two sections. When the ball falls into the hole 21c formed in each area 21b, the lamps arranged below the respective sections are arranged so that the same color section as the color assigned to the area 21b emits light in the display area 23c. Lighting control is performed.

  Further, the dial constituting the display device 23 is provided with a fourth display area 23d, and the fourth display area 23d is a numeral configured to display a three-digit number by three seven-segment LEDs. A display is arranged, and when a predetermined specific condition is established during the game, control is performed to display a three-digit number at random. When the number displayed in the fourth display area 23d is a predetermined specific number (for example, 777), a privilege for the user (for example, credits for one game or bonus points) Will be granted.

  Moreover, the dial which comprises the display apparatus 23 is provided with the 5th display area 23e, the 6th display area 23f, and the 7th display area 23g, and can display a 2-digit number with two 7 segment LED, respectively. A numeric display configured as shown in FIG. The fifth display area 23e displays the number of balls fired during one game, the sixth display area 23f displays the number of credits (number of times the game can be executed), and the seventh display area 23g A score (acquired points) for each game is displayed.

Next, of the internal structure of the game machine 1, a description will be given focusing on a route through which a ball used in the game passes.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a launch tube 25 is disposed inside the housing 5, and the plunger 13 previously shown in FIG. 1 is disposed near the proximal end of the launch tube 25. Is provided.

  When the user pulls the portion protruding outside the housing 5 by hand, the spring built in the plunger 13 is compressed. When the user releases the hand in this state, the plunger 13 It is a device that quickly returns to its original position by force and launches the ball. When the user operates the plunger 13 in a state where the ball is accommodated at the base end of the launch tube 25 and strikes the ball at the base end of the launch tube 25, the ball is guided by the launch tube 25 and fired. It is fired in a specific direction from the tip of the tube 25.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the launch tube 25 is in a state in which a slight upward slope is given from the base end (left end in FIG. 4) to the tip end (right end in FIG. 4). When the impact force acting on the ball is too small and the ball does not jump out of the launch tube 25, the ball rolls under its own weight and returns to the proximal end side of the launch tube 25. In addition, the plunger 13 and the launch tube 25 correspond to the launching means referred to in the present invention.

  On the course of the ball fired from the launch tube 25, as shown in FIG. 3, a course changing device 27 for randomly changing the course of the ball is provided (however, in FIGS. (The route changing device 27 is not shown in the drawing).

  The route changing device 27 is attached to a support base 31 fixed to the housing 5, a motor 33 fixed to the support base 31, and rotatably attached to the support base 31, and is rotated by the motor 33. The rotating member 35 to be driven and the rotating member 37 attached to the support base 31 and capable of rotating around the rotating shaft 37a and rotating with the force received from the rotating member 35 are provided. Yes. Among these, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the rotating member 35 is fitted inside the cylindrical portion 31a formed on the support base 31, and rotates within the cylindrical portion 31a. It has become. An output shaft 35 a that protrudes in a direction parallel to the rotation shaft is provided at a position off the rotation center of the rotation member 35, and the output shaft 35 a is located inside a long hole 37 b formed in the rotation member 37. It is in a loosely fitted state.

  In the course changing device 27 configured as described above, when the rotation member 35 is driven to rotate by rotating the motor 33, the output shaft 35 a of the rotation member 35 revolves around the rotation center of the rotation member 35. At this time, since the output shaft 35a of the rotating member 35 moves inside the elongated hole 37b while rotating the rotating member 37, the rotating member 37 has the first position shown in FIG. It will be in the state which repeats rotation between two positions so that it may reciprocate between the 2nd positions shown in the figure (b). The ball that has jumped out of the launch tube 25 first contacts the rotating member 37 and travels along the rotating member 37, and then is released toward the game board 21. It changes according to the rotation position of the rotation member 37 which fluctuates for purpose.

  For example, when the rotating member 37 is in the first position shown in FIG. 5A, the ball jumping out from the launch tube 25 advances and rotates in the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. After contacting the member 37 and proceeding along the rotating member 37 as it is, it is discharged in the direction of the arrow A2 shown in FIG. Further, for example, when the rotating member 37 is in the second position shown in FIG. 5B, the ball jumping out from the launch tube 25 travels in the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. 5B. After contacting the rotating member 37 and proceeding along the rotating member 37 as it is, it is discharged in the direction of the arrow A3 shown in FIG. Further, for example, if the rotating member 37 is located between the first position shown in FIG. 5A and the second position shown in FIG. 5B, in FIG. It is clear that the light is emitted in a direction between the direction of the arrow A2 shown in FIG. 5 and the direction of the arrow A3 shown in FIG. That is, the direction in which the ball that has traveled along the rotating member 37 is released varies randomly within a range of directions included between the arrow A2 direction and the arrow A3 direction.

  Therefore, even if the firing speed of the ball that has jumped out from the launch tube 25 is the same, the entry angle when the ball enters the game board 21 changes slightly. Therefore, if such a course changing device 27 is provided, the user sets a target so that the ball enters a specific hole 21c among the plurality of holes 21c formed in each region 21b of the game board 21. You can't fire the ball. The course changing device 27 corresponds to the course changing means referred to in the present invention. In addition, the power transmission path including the rotation member 35, the output shaft 35a, and the long hole 37 converts the rotation of the motor 33 into a reciprocating motion and transmits it to the rotation member 37, whereby the rotation member 37 is moved between two positions. Is a means for rotating the rotating member 37 so as to reciprocate, and these correspond to the power transmission means in the present invention.

  Now, when the ball whose course has been changed by the course changing device 27 is placed on the game board 21, the ball turns on the rolling surface 21 a of the game board 21 and is then formed in each region 21 b of the game board 21. Of the plurality of holes 21c, it falls into one of the holes 21c. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, reflection type optical sensors 41 (corresponding to the detecting means in the present invention) are arranged in the back of each hole 21 c, and the ball 21 c is placed in which hole 21 c by this optical sensor 41. It is possible to detect whether or not it has fallen.

  Then, the ball that has passed in front of the optical sensor 41 falls onto the recovery hopper 43 located further below. As shown in FIG. 4, the collection hopper 43 is provided with a downward slope from the back side of the game machine 1 toward the front side, and as shown in FIG. In this way, the balls roll under their own weight and gather at the center of the front side of the collection hopper 43.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the inlet end of the stock passage 45 is connected to the front side center of the recovery hopper 43. The stock passage 45 is provided with a downward slope from the inlet end to the outlet end. When a ball that has fallen from the recovery hopper 43 enters the stock passage 45, the ball is self-weighted from the inlet end to the outlet end of the stock passage 45. Roll to. In this stock passage 45, several balls (not shown) are accumulated in a line.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the outlet end of the stock passage 45 is connected to the inlet end of the lifting passage 47. The pumping passage 47 extends upward from the inlet end, and is curved in the middle and has a shape with a slight downward gradient from the curved portion toward the outlet end. Are connected to the vicinity of the proximal end of the launch tube 25 already described, as shown in FIGS. A ball lifting solenoid 51 is disposed below the inlet end of the lifting passage 47, and by driving the solenoid 51, the ball can be launched from the inlet end to the outlet end of the lifting passage 47. It is like that.

  The ball lifted in the lifting passage 47 by the solenoid 51 enters the launching tube 25 from the outlet end of the lifting passage 47 and is accommodated in the proximal end of the launching tube 25. By operating the plunger 13, the ball can be launched from the launch tube 25. That is, a circulation path is formed in the game machine 1 from the launch tube 25 to the launch tube 25 through the course changing device 27, the game board 21, the recovery hopper 43, the stock passage 45, and the lifting passage 47. Has been. The ball is used in a circulating manner in the circulation path, so that the ball is not taken out of the game machine 1.

  In addition, a safe for storing coins received by the coin processing device 11 is also provided in the housing 5 of the game machine 1, but these structures are not directly related to the main part of the present invention. Detailed description will be omitted.

Next, a control system of the game machine 1 will be described.
The control system of the game machine 1 receives a command from the main control unit 61 and the main control unit 61, which are configured by arranging a memory, a timer, various input / output interface circuits, and the like with a microcomputer at the center. The display control unit 63 that performs on / off control for the plurality of lamps included in the display device 23 and the numerical display control for the plurality of numerical indicators included in the display device 23, and the lifting control unit 65 that performs drive control of the solenoid 51. A motor control unit 67 that controls the driving of the motor 33 included in the course changing device 27, and a sound effect control unit 69 that controls sound effects generated during the game. , A start button 15, a display device 23, and a plurality of optical sensors 41.

  The main control unit 61 receives input signals from the coin processing device 11, the start button 15, the optical sensor 41, and the like, and also includes a display control unit 63, a lifting control unit 65, a motor control unit 67, and a sound effect control unit 69. The display control for the display device 23, the drive control for the solenoid 51 and the motor 33, the control of the sound effect generated from the speaker 71, and the overall control from the start to the end of the game. To manage.

Hereinafter, the main operation modes of the control system of the game machine 1 will be described along the flow from the start to the end of the game.
When the user inserts a coin into the coin processing device 11, the coin processing device 11 performs an authenticity discrimination of the inserted coin. As a result, if the coin is an appropriate coin, the coin processing device 11 sends a coin insertion signal. Is output to the main control unit 61. When receiving the coin insertion signal from the coin processing device 11, the main control unit 61 adds 1 to the number of credits stored in the memory. In addition, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the display control unit 63, and the credit number is displayed in the sixth display area 23 f of the display device 23.

  When the user presses the start button 15, the start button 15 outputs a start signal to the main control unit 61. At this time, if one or more credits are stored in the main control unit 61 and the game is not already being executed, the main control unit 61 executes various processes for starting the game. . Specifically, the main control unit 61 subtracts 1 from the number of credits stored in the memory. Further, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the motor control unit 67, and the course changing device 27 starts operating. Then, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the display control unit 63, the part related to the game of the display device 23 is initialized, and the remaining credit number is stored in the sixth display area 23f of the display device 23. Is displayed.

  Subsequently, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the lifting control unit 65, and the lifting control unit 65 drives the solenoid 51 to lift only one ball. Then, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the display control unit 63, and the number of balls is displayed in the fifth display area 23e. Thereafter, when the user operates the plunger 13 to fire a ball from the launch tube 25, the course of the ball is changed by the course changing device 27, and the ball is released to the game board 21. The ball turns several times on the rolling surface 21a of the game board 21 and then enters one of a plurality of areas 21b provided in the game board 21 and falls into a hole 21c formed in the specific area 21b. To do. This falling of the ball is detected by the optical sensor 41, and the optical sensor 41 outputs a ball detection signal to the main control unit 61. When the main control unit 61 receives the ball detection signal from the optical sensor 41, it stores in the memory (corresponding to the storage means in the present invention) which region 21b the ball has entered, and adds 1 to the detected number of balls. To do. Then, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the display control unit 63, and in the first display area 23a and the second display area 23b of the display device 23, a number corresponding to the area 21b containing the ball is lit. In the third display area 23c, the color section corresponding to the area 21b containing the ball is lit.

  When the processing accompanying the detection of the ball by the optical sensor 41 is completed, the processing from the above-described processing accompanying the lifting of the ball by the solenoid 51 to the processing accompanying the detection of the ball by the optical sensor 41 is repeated. However, at the time of the second and subsequent ball lifting, the ball stored in the stock passage 45 is lifted, and the ball detected by the optical sensor 41 is collected in the stock passage 45. By using such a ball, it is possible to quickly prepare a ball to be fired next while avoiding two or more balls from being simultaneously placed on the game board 21.

  The above repeating process is repeated as many times as the number of balls that can be used in one game. The number of balls that can be used in one game is set in advance, for example, 10 or 16, but the number of balls is added as a privilege according to the result of condition determination in the game. The preset value may be changed during the game.

  During such repeated processing, each time the main control unit 61 receives a ball detection signal from the optical sensor 41, the main control unit 61 stores in the memory which region 21b the ball has entered. In addition, the main control unit 61 confirms whether or not the combination of the areas 21b containing the balls is a combination set in advance. And when the combination of the area | region 21b into which the ball | bowl entered was a combination set beforehand, the privilege according to the combination is provided.

  The combination of the area 21b to be given a privilege is set in advance as a visually understandable combination for the user. Specifically, for example, in the first display area 23a of the display device 23, Since numbers 16 and 17 to 32 are arranged in a 4 × 4 matrix, four numbers (for example, 1-5-9-13, 1-2, which are arranged vertically, horizontally, and diagonally in each matrix). -3-4, 1-6-11-16, etc.) are turned on so that a combination of the regions 21b is set so that a privilege is given. That is, in the case of this combination, each matrix is regarded as a bingo card, and a privilege is granted when a bingo is established.

  In addition, other benefits are prepared, for example, when all four numbers (6-7-10-11, 22-23-26-27) inside each matrix are lit, When the numbers from 1 to 36 are regarded as a 4 × 9 matrix and all nine vertical numbers (for example, 1-5-9-13-17-21-25-29-33) are lit, In addition, a privilege is given according to various combinations, such as when 0 and 00 are combined.

  There are multiple types of benefits, and depending on the probability that the combination as described above is established, for example, one level of ball can be given from a high point to a low point, or one ball can be used in a game Credits that can be added or a game can be added are added. All of these benefits are stored in the memory of the main control unit 61, and a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the display control unit 63, so that the sixth display area 23f and the seventh display area of the display device 23 are displayed. This is also reflected in the 23g display. In addition, as a privilege, there is a privilege that a lottery is performed by a random number generator, and more specifically, a random number generator that generates a three-digit random number from 000 to 999 is a so-called round (for example, 777). Only when the value is generated, points and credits are given as benefits. When a lottery is performed by the random number generator, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the display control unit 63, and the three-digit random number generated by the random number generator is displayed in the fourth display area 23d of the display device 23. Is displayed. Furthermore, in addition to the probability that each combination itself will be established, when the combination has n composition and n + 1 composition (where n is a natural number), the latter is given a higher point, and so on. An advantageous privilege is also given. In addition, the main control part 61 which performs the process which provides the above privilege is equivalent to the privilege provision means said by this invention.

  When the game progresses as described above and the number of balls used during one game reaches the upper limit number in the game, the main control unit 61 determines that the game has been completed. Then, a command is given from the main control unit 61 to the motor control unit 67, and the course changing device 27 stops operating.

  Thereafter, when credits remain, by performing the subsequent operations when the user explained above presses the start button 15, one game can be executed again. Further, even when no credit is left, one game can be executed again by performing the operations after the user described above inserts coins into the coin processing device 11.

  While the processing as described above is performed, the main control unit 61 performs various events (coin insertion, start switch 15 depression, ball lifting by the solenoid 51, ball detection by the optical sensor 41, privilege Each time (such as giving) occurs, a command is also given to the sound effect control unit 69, and a sound effect for exciting the game is generated from the speaker 71.

  As described above, according to this game machine 1, it is possible to enjoy a roulette game in which a ball is fired to hit which number area 21b the ball enters, and the number displayed on the display device 23 is Since a privilege is given by arranging in a specific combination, a bingo game can be enjoyed.

  In addition, if the ball can be shot aiming only at the specific area 21b, the chance required for the roulette game is lost, but the game machine 1 is provided with the course changing device 27. Thus, even if the plunger 13 is operated in exactly the same way, the course of the ball is changed randomly. Therefore, a roulette game with high chance can be enjoyed despite the structure in which the portion corresponding to the roulette wheel of the game board 21 is fixed.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said specific one Embodiment, In addition, it can implement with a various form.
For example, although the example which gives a point and credit was shown as an example of a privilege in the said embodiment, the privilege other than this may be given. For example, if the game machine has a prize discharging device, the prize can be discharged as a privilege.

  In the above-described embodiment, the manual launching device including the plunger 13 and the launch tube 25 is exemplified as the launching unit. However, an electric motor that launches a ball by driving an actuator such as a solenoid or a motor according to a switch operation. May be employed.

  In the above embodiment, the reflection type optical sensor 41 is used as the detection unit. However, various sensors other than the reflection type optical sensor may be used as the detection unit. For example, a photo interrupter that detects a ball when the ball passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the ball blocks the light, a limit switch that generates a pulse signal when the ball contacts, and a metal ball detecting the passage A passing sensor or the like can be employed as the detection means.

  In the above embodiment, the ball accumulated in the stock passage 45 is lifted by the solenoid 51. However, the design of the mechanism for lifting can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it may be lifted by a belt conveyor or may be lifted by a screw conveyor.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the ball is stored in the lower stock passage 45 and the lifted ball is immediately supplied to the launching means, but the timing of the lift is also arbitrary, for example, The collected balls are immediately lifted and stocked above the launching means, and the stocked balls are rolled down one by one at a necessary timing and supplied to the launching means. Also good.

The front view of a game machine. The top view of a game machine. The schematic block diagram which planarly viewed the internal structure of the game machine. The schematic block diagram which looked at the internal structure of the game machine from the side. The schematic block diagram which planarly viewed the course change apparatus. The schematic block diagram which looked at the internal structure of the game machine from the front. The block diagram which shows the control system of a game machine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 3 ... Top plate, 5 ... Case, 7 ... Leg part, 11 ... Coin processing apparatus, 13 ... Plunger, 15 ... Start button, 21 ... Game board, 21a ... Rolling surface, 21b ... area, 21c ... hole, 23 ... display device, 23a ... first display area, 23b ... second display Area, 23c ... third display area, 23d ... fourth display area, 23e ... fifth display area, 23f ... sixth display area, 23g ... seventh display area, 25 ... -Launch tube, 27 ... Course changing device, 31 ... Support base, 31a ... Cylindrical portion, 33 ... Motor, 35 ... Rotating member, 35a ... Output shaft, 37 ... Rotating member, 37a ... rotating shaft, 37b ... long hole, 41 ... optical sensor, 43 ... recovery hopper, 45 ... strike Click passage, 47 ... pumped passage, 51 ... solenoid, 61 ... main control unit, 63 ... display controller, 65 ... pumped controller, 67 ... motor control unit.

Claims (5)

A launching means capable of firing a ball in a specific direction;
A game machine comprising: a rolling surface on which a ball fired from the launching means rolls; and a game board in which a plurality of areas into which the ball enters after rolling on the rolling surface are formed. And
A game machine, characterized in that a course changing means for randomly changing the traveling direction of the ball is provided on the path of the ball from the launching means to the game board. The route changing means is
A motor,
A rotating member whose contact angle with the ball fluctuates with rotation;
Power transmission means for rotating the rotation member so that the rotation member reciprocates between two positions by converting the rotation of the motor into a reciprocating motion and transmitting the rotation to the rotation member. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein: A detecting means capable of detecting an area where the ball has entered when a ball enters any of the plurality of areas formed on the game board;
A plurality of display elements associated with each of the plurality of areas, and when the detection unit detects an area containing a ball, the display state of the display element corresponding to the area is changed from the first state; Display means for switching to the second state;
Storage means for storing the area each time an area containing a ball is detected by the detection means;
And a privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the user according to the specific combination when the combination of the areas stored by the storage means is a predetermined specific combination. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2. In the gaming board, the rolling surface has an annular shape in a plan view and is provided with a downward gradient from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, and the plurality of regions include an annular concentric with the rolling surface. A plurality of holes arranged at equal intervals so as to form,
The ball fired from the launching means comes into contact with the course changing means and then rolls onto the rolling surface of the game board, turns on the rolling surface and then falls into any of the plurality of holes. It is comprised so that it may. The game machine in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. A table made up of a transparent top plate, a housing provided below the top plate, and legs that support the housing;
A launching means capable of launching a ball in a specific direction inside the housing by operating an operation unit provided on the outer surface side of the housing;
A rolling surface on which the ball fired from the launching means rolls, and a plurality of regions into which the ball enters after rolling on the rolling surface are formed, and the top plate is formed inside the casing. A game board arranged in a position that can be seen over,
A course changing means that is provided on the path of the ball from the launching means to the game board, and that randomly changes the traveling direction of the ball;
A detecting means capable of detecting an area where the ball has entered when a ball enters any of the plurality of areas formed on the game board;
Arranged in a position that can be seen through the top plate inside the housing, and has a plurality of display elements associated with each of the plurality of areas, and the area containing the ball is detected by the detection means Display means for switching the display state of the display element corresponding to the region from the first state to the second state,
Storage means for storing the area each time an area containing a ball is detected by the detection means;
When the combination of the areas stored by the storage means becomes a predetermined specific combination, it includes a privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the user according to the specific combination,
The route changing means is
A motor,
A rotating member whose contact angle with the ball fluctuates with rotation;
Power transmission means for rotating the rotation member so that the rotation member reciprocates between two positions by converting the rotation of the motor into a reciprocating motion and transmitting the rotation to the rotation member. Become
In the gaming board, the rolling surface has an annular shape in a plan view and is provided with a downward gradient from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, and the plurality of regions have an annular ring concentric with the rolling surface. A plurality of holes arranged at equal intervals so as to form,
The ball fired from the launching means comes into contact with the course changing means and then rolls onto the rolling surface of the game board, turns on the rolling surface and then falls into any of the plurality of holes. It is comprised so that it may be. The game machine characterized by the above-mentioned.

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